‘ROCKY’ HERNANDEZ RETURNS AGAINST LUGO IN MEXICO ON MAY 11

Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez makes his return to the ring against Daniel Lugo at Palenque de la Féria National de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico on Saturday May 11, live worldwide on DAZN, with Erika Cruz defending her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Nazarena Romero.

Hernandez (34-2 31 KOs) was part of one of the fights of the year in October when he took on O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC World Super-Featherweight title, falling agonizingly short in Cancun after an incredible 11thround led to a final round stoppage win for defending champion Foster, with Hernandez ahead on the cards. 

The 26 year old will be determined to return to winning ways as he plots a path towards another shot at World honors, but Lugo (27-2-1 18 KOs) has his own plans to gatecrash the party at 130lbs, and facing Rocky in an all-Mexican battle over 12 rounds live on DAZN represents the biggest night of the 29 year old’s career.

“People have been counting me out since my loss,” said Hernandez. “On May 11, I will make a statement – ‘Rocky Never Left’.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Matchroom, Paco Damián and my team for another amazing opportunity,” said Lugo. “We are back in the gym working hard and preparing for war. Rocky Hernandez is one of the best fighters in my division, however, I am up for the challenge. 

“I know the importance of this fight, a win over Rocky Hernandez will open up many great opportunities. For all the boxing fans that will be watching on DAZN, we will give you a Mexican war.”

The co-feature of the night sees Cruz defend her WBA strap for the first time against mandatory challenger Romero.

Cruz (17-2 3 KOs) became a two-weight World ruler by taking the title from Mayerlin Rivas in November, outworking the champion in Los Angeles to claim the crown via majority decision. Cruz previously held the WBA belt at Featherweight before taking on Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano in an epic undisputed battle in New York in February 2023, with Serrano coming out on top in a memorable clash.

‘Dinamita’ is excited to be getting back into action and putting her belt on the line, and intends to put the rest of the champions at Super-Bantamweight on notice.

“I’m stepping into the ring not just to defend my title, but to conquer,” said Cruz. “Romero may be the mandatory opponent, but my sights are set on bigger dreams. Yamileth Mercado, Ellie Scotney, Segolene Lefebvre – I’m coming for all the belts. Romero won’t be the one to stand in the way of my destiny. Viva Mexico!”

Romero (13-0-1 7 KOs) gets a second crack at a title that looked well within her grasp at the halfway stage of her clash with former champion Rivas in June. The Argentine welcomed Rivas to Buenos Aires and floored the champion in the third round before an accidental headclash led to a nasty cut above Romero’s left eye, and the fight was ruled a technical draw. 

The 29 year old gets the chance to get her hands on the title once again, and travels to Mexico to spoil Cruz’s plans.

“I think my time has come,” said Romero. “In my life nothing was, is, or will be easy. I was born for this, and I feel like the best of all. I prepare like a champion; I think like a champion, and I need to live like a champion.”

“Our Mexico shows have been a revelation and this promises to be no exception,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The championship rounds that Rocky and O’Shaquie served up in October were sensational. Rocky has not gone away to feel sorry for himself, he’s redoubled his efforts and is more determined than ever to reach the very top, starting with an all-Mexican war against Lugo on May 11.

“I can’t wait for the clash between Erika and Nazarena, which promises to be so explosive. Erika guarantees excitement every time she steps through the ropes and Nazarena will be desperate to get her hands on the title at the second attempt; all the ingredients are there for a classic.”

An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.




FOSTER AND HERNANDEZ CLASH IN CANCUN ON OCT 28

O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez at the Benito Juárez Sports Center in Cancun, Mexico on Saturday October 28, live worldwide on DAZN, in association with Pepe Gomez and Cancun Boxing.
 
Foster (20-2 11 KOs) landed the vacant belt in San Antonio, Texas in February, becoming the first fighter to defeat Mexican Rey Vargas on points to become World champion at the first attempt. The Houston native meets Mexican opposition again in his maiden defense on hostile ground, with the well-traveled champion fighting in a fourth country in his last seven fights. 
 
Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs) lands his mandatory shot at Foster on home turf and the big punching challenger will relish having his first World title fight in Mexico. ‘Rocky’ has been on a ferocious run of KO wins, recording his sixth straight win inside six rounds with a third round bludgeoning of Hector Garcia in Monterrey in July.
 
“It’s that time again!” said Foster. “King Shock is back in action. I’m excited for the opportunity to be back in the ring and defend my title. 
 
“We’re once again going into uncharted territory, so I’m eager to prove once again that I’m the best in the world and that I’m here to stay! Come October 28, I will dominate!”
 
“I’ve dreamed about this moment my whole life,” said Hernandez. “O’Shaquie is the best 130lbs champion. I beat him, and I show the world that I’m the best in the division.”
 
“This is going to be an explosive clash in Cancun,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “O’Shaquie will be full of confidence heading into his first defense after beating a great fighter like Vargas to win the title, but Rocky is a ferocious puncher that has been destroying everyone put in front of him and won’t take a backwards step in trying to achieve his dream. This is a fight not to miss and I expect yet another great Matchroom fight night in Mexico on October 28.”
 
The first undercard action announced on the card sees Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni make his long-awaited Matchroom debut against Andrew Tabiti. The pair were slated to meet in New Orleans in June, but an ankle injury in sparring for the Aussie amateur standout just weeks before the bout robbed forced the bout to be postponed.
 
Huni (7-0 4 KOs) will be champing at the bit to get back in the ring and kick-off his new dawn with Matchroom after penning a two-year deal with Hearn in February, and the 24 year old fights in the States for the first time in his career against former Cruiserweight World title challenger Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) in his second fight at Heavyweight following a successful first bout against James Wilson in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia in August 2022.
 
Information on ticket on sale dates and further undercard action will be released soon.




Pacheco Stops Gallegos in 4

Diego Pacheco stopped Manuel Gallegos in round four of their 10-round super middleweight bout in Monterrey, Mexico.

Pacheco was impressive as he hurt Gallegos in round four with a hard combination and then he dropped Gallegos with a left hook to the body. Pacheco then landed about eight hard shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 2:45.

Pacheco, 168 lbs of Los Angeles is 19-0 with 16 knockouts. Gallegos, 168 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 19-2-1.

Eduardo Hernandez stopped late-replacement Hector Garcia in round three of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Hernandez rocked Garcia and had him in trouble throughout the latter part if the round. Garcia was cut under his right eye. In round three, Hernandez was all over Garcia as he landed a big left hook that was followed by a big right that was followed by a 20 punch combination that put Garcia down and the fight was stopped at 25 seconds.

Hernandez, 137 lbs of Mexico City is now 34-1 with 31 knockouts. Garcia, 137 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 20-8-4.

Jonathan Rodriguez and Israel Gonzalez battled to a 10-round split draw in a bantamweight bout.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 96-94 score and a third card was even at 95-95.

Rodriguez, 115 lbs of San Luis Patosi, MEX is now 24-2-1. Gonzalez, 115 lbs of Los Cabos, MEX is 29-5-2.

Neider Valdez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Isaias Ortiz in a flyweight contest.

In round three, Valdez landed a hard left to the body that put Ortiz to the canvas. Ortiz could not beat the count at 1:50.

Valdez, 108 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 9-0-2 with eight knockouts. Ortiz, 109 lbs of Mexico City is 5-4.

Federico Pacheco stopped Oscar Heredia after round two of their four-round heavyweight victory.

In round two, Pacheco dropped Heredia with a double left hook to the body. Heredia was in a lot of discomfort after the round and did not answer the bell.

Pacheco, 254 lbs of Los Angeles is 4-0 with three knockouts. Heredia, 252 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 2-3.




ROCKY HERNANDEZ SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM 

Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
 
Hernandez (33-1 30 KOs) is ranked #1 in the WBC rankings at 130lbs and the Mexican banger is closing in on a World title shot. The 25 year old KO artist had an explosive 2022, starting with a thunderous to record a stunning first round stoppage win over Jorge Castaneda in June and then in Hermosillo in September he stopped Jorge Cuellar in five rounds.
 
Hernandez’s first fight under the Matchroom banner will take place in July and will be announced shortly, and Hernandez will look to display his credentials to land that coveted title shot. 
 
“I’m really happy and excited,” said Hernandez. “I feel blessed for getting this opportunity, they brought me in as a B-side and seen that I’m capable of great things, it’s an honor for me and my team to be part of Matchroom.
 
“I’m one step away from fulfilling my dream of becoming a World champion. It’s all I have in my head, the World title, and I know Matchroom will make it happen.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Rocky to the team,” said Hearn. “Rocky is such a dangerman for the 130 pound division and he’s right on the edge of landing a World title fight. That’s what we are looking to deliver for him, and once he gets that shot, Rocky could reign at the top level for a long time and carry that power up the weights.”




Estrada Decisions Cortes; Retains Super Flyweight Title; Trilogy with Chocolatito Announced

Juan Francisco Estrada tuned up for a his trilogy fight by winning a tougher then expected 12-round unanimous decision over Argi Cortes to retain the WBC Super Flyweight title in Hermosillo, Mexico.

In the first few rounds, the two provided some action packed exchanges with both guys giving as good as they received. After four-rounds, the open scoring had the fight even as each fighter was ahead on a scorecard and third was even at 38-38. In round five Estrada began to bleed from his nose after Cortes landed a big right hand.

In round seven, Estrada dropped Cortes with a left to the body. The two battled down the stretch with Cortes showing a ton of grit and heart as he battled the champion punch for punch. Estrada was able to eek out the victory by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113.

Estrada is now 43-3. Cortes of Mexico City is 23-3-2.

After the fight it was announced that Estrada will take on Roman Gonzalez in their trilogy fight on December 3rd on DAZN.

Cruz Decisions Mrdjenovich in Rematch; Retains Featherweight Title in Rematch

Erika Cruz retained the WBA Featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over former campion Jelena Mrdjenovich in a rematch.

Cruz, 125 3/4 lbs of Mexico won by shutout scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 15-1. Mrdjenovich, 125 lbs of Edmonton, ALB, CAN is 41-12-2.

Nontshinga Decisions Flores to Win IBF Light Flyweight Title in Classic War

Sivenathi Nontshinga captures the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Hector Flores in a bloody war.

In round two, Nonthshinga dropped Flores with a left hook. In round five, Flores started to bleed from his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

The two stood toe-to-toe in the pocket and just wailed away on each other for basically 36 minutes.

In the end the knockdown was the difference as Nonthshinga won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113. Flores took a card a 115-112.

Nonthshinga, 107.6 lbs of South Africa is 11-0. Flores of Mexico is 20-1-4.

Eduardo Hernandez stops Mata in 5

Eduardo Hernandez stopped Jorge Mata in round five of a scheduled 10-round battle of junior lightweights.

In round four, Mata began to swell on the left side of his head.  In round five, Hernandez dropped Mata and the fight was stopped shortly after at 1:15.

Hernandez, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 33-1 with 30 knockouts.  Mata, 129.4 lbs of Tonora, MEX is 14-1-2,




Kyoguchi stops Bermudez in 8; Retains Light Flyweight Title

Hiroto Kyoguchi retained the WBA Light Flyweight title with a savage beatdown of WBA Regular champion Esteban Bermudez in Guadalajara, Mexico

In round two, Bermudez was bleeding badly over his left eye.

In round seven, Kyrguchi was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round eight, Kyoguchi went into successfully finished Bermudez with a series of hard chopping right hands and the fight was stopped at 24 seconds.

Kyoguchi, 107 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Bermudez, 107.8 lbs of Nazahualcyatl, MEX is 14-4-2.

Hernandez Stops Castaneda in 1

Eduardo Hernandez stopped Jorge Castaneda in the opening round of their 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Hernandez rocked Castaneda with a hard left. He sent Castaneda down with another left hand. With Castaneda already hurt, Hernandez jumped on Castaneda and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 1:35

Hernandez, 129.9 lbs of Tlalnepantia, MEX is 32-1 with 29 knockouts. Castaneda, 129.9 lbs of Laredo, TX is 15-2.

Pacheco Stops Ortega in 4

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated by stopping Raul Ortega in round four of their 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Ortega with a heavy flurry. In round two, it was a left to the body that sent Ortega to a knee. The bout was stopped at 3:00 of round four.

Rivas Defends Super Bantamweight Title with Stoppage over Fernandez

Mayerlin Rivas defended the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a stoppage over Karina Fernandez after round four of their 10-round bout.

In round one, Rivas dropped Fernandez with a hard right. In round three, Fernandez was bleeding badly out of her nose. After the round, the fight was halted.

Rivas, 121.9 lbs of Maracaibo, MEX is 17-4-2 with 11 knockouts.

Martinez Defeats Nunez Gomez in pro debut

Jesus Martinez made a successful pro debut won a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel

In round one, Martinez dropped Nunes Gomez from a hard right hand.

Angel Garcia stopped Alexis Molina in the fifth round of their six-round super featherweight fight.

Garcia, 127.9 lbs of Zapoplan. MEX is now 7-0-2 with six knockouts. Molina, 127.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 8-1-1.

Jorge Ignacio Villalobos won a six-round unanimous decision over Fabian Gonzalez in a bantamweight bout.

Villalobos, 117.3 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 11-1-3. Gonzalez, 116.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 9-4.

Anthony Herrera and Kennyn Valenzuela battled to a six-round split draw in a bantamweight contest.

Valenzuela won a card 59-58; Herrera 58-56 and a third card was even at 57-57.

Herrera, 118 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 2-0-1. Valenzuela, 118 lbs of Baja California, MEX is 5-2-1.

Aaron Aponte remained undefeated with a six-round split decision over Leo Leon Martinez in a super lightweight bout.

Aponte, 139.5 lbs of Hialeah Gardens, FL won two cards 58-56. Martinez won a card 58-56.

Aponte is 6-0. Martinez of Baja California, MEX is 2-2.




PROBELLUM SIGNS KNOCKOUT KING EDUARDO HERNANDEZ

Probellum is pleased to announce the promotional signing of Mexico’s hard-hitting super-featherweight star Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez.

Hernandez (30-1, 27 knockouts) is arguably the biggest puncher in the 130lb division, with all but three of his wins coming inside the distance. His last 24 victories have all come by knockout, making him one of the most exciting fighters on the planet.

He is currently ranked #5 in the world by the WBC, and at just 23-years-old, looks certain to have an extremely bright future ahead of him.

Hernandez is the latest big name to join forces with Probellum, following the huge signings of Regis Prograis, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Ricky Burns and Brandon Moore earlier this week.

Probellum advocates a fighter first approach, ensuring that the athlete is empowered and put ahead of everybody else, whilst also giving them the chance to fight all over the world, as Probellum is looking to end the fragmentation in boxing by working with all promoters across the globe to promote landmark events.

“I feel happy and blessed to be part of this movement, but more than that I’m grateful,” said Hernandez. “With my new manager Ferco Box, my advisory team and now adding Richard Schaefer and Probellum, I truly have the best team in boxing. Nothing will stop us.”

“It is a privilege to have somebody as exciting and talented as Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez join us here at Probellum,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum“At just 23-years-old, Eduardo’s entire career is ahead of him, and we are certain it will be an extremely successful one.

“Mexico and boxing go hand in hand, and signing a world-ranked knockout specialist like Eduardo is the first step in what is going to be some big moves for Probellum in that country.”

News on when Hernandez will have his first bout after signing with Probellum will be announced in the near future.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.




REY VARGAS TO DEFEND WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST NO. 1 CONTENDER TOMOKI ‘EL MEXICANITO’ KAMEDA

CARSON, CALIF. (June 6, 2019): A thoroughly stacked night of Golden Boy action heads to the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. as Rey Vargas (33-0, 22 KOs) defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title in the 12-round main event against No. 1 Contender and former world champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (36-2, 20 KOs). The card will also feature the return of Diego De La Hoya, Joet Gonzalez, Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez, Alexis “Lex” Rocka and Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez. The fights will take place on Saturday, July 13 and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“Golden Boy is no stranger to big events with stacked undercards, and much less when it comes to having them at the Dignity Health Sports Park,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Not only is this place the home of the LA Galaxy, it has also become a battlefield for some of the most exciting wars this sport has ever seen. July 13 will not disappoint as the best 122-pounder in the world in Rey Vargas defends his world title against an explosive challenger. Most importantly, however, this stacked card will also demonstrate what we have been doing at the Golden Boy for many years: producing stars and making the best fights possible.”

Vargas is a 28-year-old world champion who brings a considerable height and reach advantage to every fight, which he has used to defeat all of his previous opponents. In February 2017, Vargas traveled to the United Kingdom to defeat Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title. For that fight, Vargas enlisted the help of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, who has been training him ever since. Vargas then defended the title against Ronny Rios, Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannyan and Franklin Manzanilla. The native of Mexico City, Mexico will look to make the fifth defense of his title in his first main event fight in the United States.

“This is going to be a hard and complicated fight,” said Rey Vargas. “Kameda is a difficult opponent who has been a world champion. Above all, however, he has a thorn in his side that he’ll want to take out because I beat him in the amateurs several years ago. This is an interesting fight. He is a quick fighter and he’ll look to take advantage of that, but thanks to God and my corner we are already working to counteract the strategy of this Japanese fighter. God willing, we will walk away with our hand in victory.”

Kameda is a 27-year-old native of Tokyo, Japan who traveled to Mexico when he was only 15 years old to learn from and compete with its fighters, earning the nickname “Mexicanito” in the process. Since then, Kameda has developed into a complete fighter utilizing styles from both countries. In 2013, Kameda became a world champion by defeating Paulus Ambunda for the WBO Bantamweight World Title, defending it three times. He also challenged for a world title on two occasions by facing Jamie McDonnell for the WBA Bantamweight World Championship. Kameda then moved up to 122 pounds where he plans to become a two-division world champion.

“This is going to be a great battle,” said Tomoki Kameda. “I know Rey Vargas very well. We fought in the amateurs during my time in Mexico. I look forward to getting my revenge against him and becoming a two-division world champion. I know Vargas is a tall fighter with long arms, but the Mexican style that I possess will give him a lot of trouble and make for a great fight for the fans!”

“This is a great fight where the two best super bantamweights in the world will meet,” said Oswaldo Kuchle, President of Promociones del Pueblo. “Rey Vargas will prove that he is invincible, and that’s why he has the belt with the highest ranking-the WBC belt.”

“A former world champion who’s fought on the big stage in Japan, Mexico and the U.S., Tomoki Kameda is more than ready for this opportunity to become a champion again on July 13,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “At just 27-years-old, Kameda is still in his prime after already accomplishing a tremendous amount as a pro. He’s going to bring a challenge that Rey Vargas has never seen before and deliver a memorable night for his fans all over the world.”

In the co-main event, Diego De La Hoya (21-0, 13 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will take on hometown favorite Ronny Rios (30-3, 14 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Gold Super Bantamweight Title.

“I’m excited for this great opportunity to showcase my skills at the Dignity Health Sports Park,” said Diego De La Hoya. “This is another step closer to a world title challenge, and I promise to give my fans a night to remember. Ronny Rios is a tough fighter, but these types of challenges motivate me to perform at my best. I won’t be denied a victory come July 13!”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Golden Boy and DAZN for giving me this opportunity,” said Ronny Rios. “Secondly, I would like to thank my team for helping me stay prepared, motivated and focused. I would also like to thank Diego De La Hoya and his camp for accepting this fight.”

Joet Gonzalez (22-0, 10 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will fight for the vacant WBO Global Featherweight Title in a 10-round fight against Manuel “Tino” Avila (23-1-1, 8 KOs) of Fairfield, Calif. This fight will feature two high-level Golden Boy contenders who are centimeters away from a world title shot.

Mexican rising star Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez(28-0, 25 KOs) will return in a 10-round super featherweight fight. This will be Rocky’s second fight after signing a co-promotional deal between Promociones del Pueblo and Golden Boy.

Welterweight prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (13-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round bout against Berlin Abreu (14-2, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republican.

Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will return in a six-round lightweight fight.

Jonathan Esquivel (10-0, 9 KOs) of Anaheim, Calif. will battle in a six-round super middleweight fight.

Adrian Benton (1-0) of Cincinnati, Ohio will participate in a four-round super lightweight fight.

The opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly.

Vargas vs. Kameda is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Promociones del Pueblo and TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Vargas vs. Kameda go on sale Thursday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow
on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.
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